A Shelton man accused of sexually assaulting his neighbor’s horse will undergo a psychological evaluation at his attorney’s request.
Marian Wegiel’s attorney, Ralph Crozier, said Tuesday the evaluation is a standard procedure to show that there are no underlying issues affecting his client.
Wegiel, 63, of Partridge Lane, was arrested in October after his neighbor said she saw him sexually assault her horse, Indiana.
He appeared at Superior Court in Derby Tuesday.
Judge Burton Kaplan continued the case until Feb. 1, to give Wegiel time to see a doctor and receive the results from the psychological exam.
Outside the courtroom, Crozier said he believes the results of the evaluation will be normal.
Crozier said he plans to start negotiating an “amicable agreement” with the state prosecutor’s office after receiving the results.
That agreement could involve an application to a pre-trial diversionary program for first-time offenders. Such programs often erase charges from a record if a defendant completes a specific program.
Crozier said it’s too early to say for sure if Wegiel will apply for a program.
“Any judge or prosecutor, when faced with such an outrageous allegation, would clearly want to make sure there are no underlying situations,” Crozier said.
Wegiel has pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty, fourth-degree sexual assault, breach of peace and criminal trespass.
‘In Constant Fear’
One of the horse’s owners, Christine Flannery, also attended the hearing Tuesday. She is worried about the wide gap between court dates.
Flannery said her family has installed cameras and locks in the area where they keep three horses. But they are still afraid Wegiel may try to assault Indiana when they are not at home, Flannery said.
“There’s nothing we can do,” Flannery said, through tears, outside the courtroom. “We can put up locks, but we can’t barricade ourselves. I just live in constant fear.”
